Name: Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 (1.8 kg) bone-in chicken thighs, with skin on; ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil; 4 teaspoons (24 g) kosher salt; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon (1 g) paprika, smoked or sweet; 1 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper; 1 tablespoon (1 g) chopped parsley; 8 lemon wedges

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these mouthwatering Baked Chicken Thighs! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With a perfect blend of herbs and spices, these thighs come out of the oven golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic, and onion powder creates a taste sensation that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Crispy Skin: Achieve that coveted crispy skin without frying – it’s like magic in your oven!
Foolproof: Even if you’re not a kitchen whiz, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up.
Versatile: These thighs pair beautifully with almost any side dish you can imagine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps crisp up the skin.
Italian Seasoning: A time-saving blend that adds a punch of herb-y goodness.
Paprika: For a subtle, smoky flavor and beautiful color.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Because everything’s better with garlic and onion!
Black Pepper: Adds a little kick and balances the flavors.
Parsley: Fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Lemon Wedges: For a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Herb Lovers: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones like rosemary or thyme.
BBQ Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Mediterranean Twist: Add some oregano and a sprinkle of feta cheese after baking.

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Crank that oven to 425°F (218°C) and get your baking sheet ready with foil and a greased wire rack.

Step 2: Trim and Dry

Give those thighs a little makeover by trimming excess skin and patting them dry. This step is crucial for crispy skin, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Season Like You Mean It

Mix up your seasoning dream team in a bowl. Then, give those thighs a flavor bath, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the thighs out on your prepared baking sheet and let the oven work its magic for about 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown skin and an internal temp of 175°F (79°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let those beauties rest for 5 minutes – it’s hard, I know, but worth it! Sprinkle with parsley, add some lemon wedges, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat Dry: Really get those thighs dry before seasoning. It’s the secret to crispy skin!
Don’t Overcrowd: Give each thigh some personal space on the baking sheet for even cooking.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking at the 30-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Let It Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time allow the juices to redistribute, making every bite succulent.

How to Serve

These Baked Chicken Thighs are the star of the show, but they play well with others:

Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Sauces: A garlic aioli or chimichurri sauce can take these to the next level.
Wine Pairing: A light Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. They make great meal prep for the week!

Freezing

These thighs freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For crispy skin, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too – just kiss that crispy skin goodbye.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for 175°F (79°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
You bet! Cook at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

What if I don’t have a wire rack?
No worries! You can bake directly on the baking sheet. Just flip the thighs halfway through cooking for even browning.

These Baked Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to dinner recipe. They’re simple enough for a Monday night but impressive enough for company. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and perfect blend of seasonings will have everyone asking for seconds. So fire up that oven and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Happy cooking!

Evelyn

Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe